• Author
    Amy Villanueva
  • Discovery PI

    Marcia Hogeling

  • Project Co-Author

  • Abstract Title

    Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation in Diverse Pediatric Populations

  • Discovery AOC Petal or Dual Degree Program

    Basic, Clinical, & Translational Research

  • Abstract

    Acne sequelae, such as scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), disproportionately burden youth with darker Fitzpatrick phototypes, contributing to dermatologic care inequities. These pigmentary and textural changes persist longer and carry greater psychosocial impact in higher Fitzpatrick skin types; adults with Fitzpatrick III-VI show worse quality-of-life burden, yet pediatric data remain limited. This multicenter study aims to characterize prevalence and severity of acne scarring and PIH, evaluate psychosocial impact, and identify treatment access disparities among youth aged 8-18 years at Northwestern, UCLA, and UCSD pediatric dermatology clinics. During routine visits, participants complete surveys using (Children's) Dermatology Life Quality Index and PROMIS Pediatric Stigma short form; providers assess scarring using the ECCA and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Area and Severity Index. Medical record abstraction captures demographics, treatment history, and neighborhood socioeconomic indicators. We hypothesize that greater PIH and scarring severity correlates with higher psychosocial burden; disparities emerge across Fitzpatrick skin types and social indices. Recent studies confirm acne stigma in darker skin is independent of severity, supporting our Fitzpatrick focus. Findings will guide scarring intervention, risk-stratify high-risk youth, and integrate pigmentary and psychosocial assessments, addressing pediatric dermatology guidelines gaps.

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